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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.